Summer 2025 | July 18-20, 2025

Folded stampless letter postmarked Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Dec. 22 (1849), addressed locally to Hon. R.H. Walworth. Marked with blue circular town postmark and matching "2" handstamp for the 2c drop letter rate, applicable for letters delivered from the post office without further mailing. The cover with vertical file fold and creasing.
This letter did not leave Saratoga Springs, it was deposited at the post office by the sender and delivered directly to the recipient. The 2c rate for drop letters was in effect from July 1, 1845 to June 30, 1851, and applies to mail under ½ oz.

Reuben Hyde Walworth (1788–1867) was a prominent American jurist and the last Chancellor of New York, serving from 1828 until the court was abolished in 1847. Known for his legal scholarship and influence on equity law, he also served as a U.S. Congressman and was nominated three times to the U.S. Supreme Court by President John Tyler, though the Senate never confirmed him. Walworth played a significant role in shaping 19th-century American jurisprudence and remained an active public figure throughout his life in Saratoga Springs, New York.

"LYONS, N.Y. OCT 29" datestamp on a circa 1845 local drop cover.

Folded letter locally used in Indianapolis, docketed February 13, 1847, with red "DROP" and red "2" in circle rate handstamps. There is a vertical tear through the "2" marking.
A Very Fine example of this extremely scarce drop letter usage; ASCC lists these markings as used circa 1850.

Folded letter from Lyme, Connecticut, dated November 11, 1851, addressed to Capt. R.H. Griswold. "DROP" is 8cm x 4cm, the "1" is 5cm tall.
Captain Robert Harper Griswold was the successful captain of the Black X Line packet ship Toronto.

"UTICA, N.Y. FEB. 5" postmark. The lettersheet undated with poem in pencil. File folds strengthened with hinges.

Embossed envelope addressed to Miss E. Rogers, South Medina, and struck with bold red "PROVIDENCE R.I. FEB 14" (CA. 1850) circular datestamp and matching red manuscript "3", initially indicating 3c prepaid postage for intercity mail. The cover was subsequently rerated to "2" cents, possibly 1c for drop and 1c for delivery. An unusual usage.

Datelined “Jan 8th 1852”, addressed to Mary F. Brewster in Hampton. The letter discusses having received a note on books studied.

Red "Boston Dec. 14" circular datestamp with “10c” rate crossed out, to correct to free rate.

The cover with spindle hole at center.

Red "Boston, Mass. Mar. 23, 1859" postmark on printed form folded letter.

Advertising corner card for Pheonix Foundry, Lent, South & Shipman, Land & Marine Engine Builders, New Albany, Indiana addressed to Capt. J Bragdon. Struck with a New Albany, Ind. Dec 1 circular datestamp and bold black PAID 3 in circle. Red "ADV 1." boxed handstamp indicating the letter was advertised in New Orleans.
The addressee, Joshua Bragdon (1806–1875) of New Albany, Indiana, was a Union loyalist and part-owner of the steamboat William Bagaley, which was captured by Union forces in 1864 while attempting to run the blockade. A former partner in the Southern firm Cox, Brainard & Co., Bragdon had returned to Indiana at the start of the Civil War, distancing himself from his Southern business interests. After the Bagaley was seized and sold at auction, he filed a claim for his one-sixth share of the vessel, arguing he had never supported the Confederacy. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which denied his claim on the grounds that he had abandoned his property by failing to act sooner.

"U.S. EXPRESS MAIL N.Y. JUN 30" datestamp at up right corner addressed to New Bedford, Massachusetts. Picked up by Kenyon's and delivered to the route agent for the U.S. Express Mail between New York and Boston.

Two singles tied by "Savannah Ga." circular datestamp on folded printed circular to Madisonville, Tennessee. Printed enclosure dated June 2, 1856.
Positions 25R2 and 84R2, Type II, Plate II, Double Transfer.

"SCHENECTADY, N.Y. JUN. 16" postmark.

"New York Sep. 17" circular datestamp. Addressed to Rock Island, Illinois.

"VINCENNES, IND. FEB. 17" postmark. The cover with toning and aging.

Addressed to James T. Neasmith, administrator for the estate of William B. Wright, and pertains to non-payment of an $180 promissory note signed by the deceased. Dated May 26, 1857.

"Richmond, Va. Feb 12 1857" postmark with local address.

The cover dated Sept. 25.

"AUG 14" postmark, Ca. 18552.

Oswego New York, "MAY 14" datestamp to Detroit, Michigan on folded letter outer sheet. The strip of five used to pay the quintuple rate. A vertical crease between the right pair, the strip of stamps roughly separated at bottom.

Chase notes that a horizontal strip of 5 is 100 times more rare than a single used stamp off cover, and even more rare when used on cover.

The stamps tied by three strikes of “Charleston S.C. Nov 19” datestamp. Red “N. York 7 Am. Pkt.” exchange office datestamp and red, boxed “Aachen Franco” marking. The cover was routed Charleston, SC via New York to Lamstedt, Hanover, Germany via Aachen. The cover with vertical crease affecting the center stamp, the bottom pair with gum staining.

Addressed to John W. Tisdall, Caistor P.O., County of Lincoln, Canada West. Manuscript at lower left reads "Cupsoli, Iowa, April 22d" Various Canadian transit marks on reverse.